A partition action is a lawsuit between co-owners of real property who cant agree as to any aspect of the management of the property, or for example, whether to sell the real property. Partition actions are governed by Chapter 64, Florida Statutes.
Code § 4.102. Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023. At any time, the spouses may partition or exchange between themselves all or part of their community property, then existing or to be acquired, as the spouses may desire.
While it is possible to file a partition lawsuit without a lawyer or “Pro Se” in Florida, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced partition attorney. The process can become complex, and having a knowledgeable litigator on your side can help protect your interests and maximize your recovery.
How Long Does A Typical Partition Action Take In Florida? A partition action can be quite speedy if you and the other party can agree quickly on what to do. Some cases can be resolved in three months, whereas others take up to a year. This can depend on the valuation of the property and how complex the parcel is.
The right to Partition is an absolute right in Florida. The only time that the court might stop the Partition process is if the owner waived their right to partition. There is also the option to pursue a direct buyout if you want to stop the Partition process and retain possession of the property in question.
To successfully bring a property partition case, the parties must demonstrate an irreconcilable difference in their asset holdings. They should also argue that the division of assets would be in the best interests of both parties.
Defenses to the Partition Actions in Florida The only applicable defense to a partition action would be if the owners waived their right to partition. The three ways in which the owners may waive their rights to partition are: (1) verbally, (2) in an implied manner, or (3) in writing.
The actual time it takes from when a partition case is filed to when the land is partitioned physically, by sale, or by set-off varies from case to case. In general, partition cases can take several months or even years to resolve.